This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A new report on Digital Giving in the Arts, published today, sets out ten recommendations to show how digital technology can support fundraising and encourage philanthropy in the cultural sector.

The report, sub-titled Democratising Philanthropy, by technology entrepreneur and Chair of the Community Foundation Network Matthew Bowcock, shows how arts and heritage bodies could unlock support by engaging broader audiences, and how more individuals can become philanthropists.

Matthew Bowcock believes that everyone is a potential philanthropist. This reinforces my view that we should not regard philanthropy as solely being about getting the rich to give more. Everyone has the opportunity to give, whether time or money.

Digital technology means we can strengthen the relationship between artists and their audiences. A number of far-sighted cultural organisations are already doing so, harnessing digital technology to support their fundraising efforts, but many others are not. I would encourage all arts and heritage bodies to read this report.

Matthew Bowcock’s work complements the recent reports on ‘Removing Barriers to Legacy Giving’ and ‘Philanthropy Beyond London’ and will help inform the future Government strategy for boosting philanthropy in the cultural sector. All three reports contain advice on ways to strengthen fundraising for the benefit of artists and audiences across the country. The Government will respond fully to the recommendations in all three reports in the new year.

Mrs Miller continued:

We have many generous donors in this country, without whom our arts and heritage would be poorer in every respect. I am profoundly grateful for their support. Together with public sector investment, earned income and support from the National Lottery, philanthropy has the potential to enable our cultural sector to continue to lead the world. I share Matthew Bowcock’s desire to democratise philanthropy, and to make use of digital technology as one of the means to that end.

Notes to Editors

This report is the third of three commissioned by DCMS Ministers to advance key elements of the philanthropy agenda. Read the previous reports: